The Nativity Story

A quick movie review

One of the finest moments in Catherine Hardwicke’s 2005 film, “The Nativity Story,” is when Elizabeth and Mary first meet. From the gospel of Luke, the actress playing Elizabeth says, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb…For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.” And the two women in the story touch each other’s bellies. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting, the Magnificat, is effectively recited at the movie’s end.

Another scene that sold me on this great work is when Mary and Elizabeth are sitting together and Mary asks why the Lord has chosen her, and immediately answers herself—"I am nothing.” Elizabeth exhales, “Oh, child,” and hugs her. Here we see Mary’s utmost humility in the face of the inexplicable, akin to eternity holding its breath before the big bang when from nothing everything will come.

It’s also every morning upon awaking that we sometimes sense we’re also nothing, cleaned out from the terror and beauty of the dream world, ready to be given everything that a new day offers.